Buick Motor Division,
came into being in 1903.The division's founder, David Dunbar Buick
was building gasoline engines by 1899, and his engineer, Walter L. Marr,
built the first automobile to be called a Buick between 1899 and 1900 however
Buick traditionally dates its beginnings to 1903. That was the year the
company was incorporated and moved from Detroit to Flint.The division's history has been exciting from
the beginning. Buick recovered from near-bankruptcy in 1904 to become the
No. 1 producer of automobiles in 1908 --surpassing the combined production
of Ford and Cadillac.Buick was the financial pillar on which General
Motors was created.Buick was where a number of major contributors
to U.S. auto history first headed an auto-building company -- such as Billy
Durant, GM's founder; Charles W. Nash, a founder of what later became American
Motors; Walter P. Chrysler, founder of Chrysler Corp. and Harlow H. Curtice,
a GM president and chief executive in the postwar era. Louis Chevrolet,
co-founder with Durant of the Chevrolet automobile, had earlier achieved
fame as a Buick race team driver.And Buick has been a product innovator from
Day 1 -- starting with its creation of the overhead valve engine In 1940, Chris Sinsabaugh, who as a newspaperman
had covered the automobile industry from its inception, reflected that
"Buick was the first real success of the automobile industry and did more
to promote the industry's well-being in terms of public education, engineering
advancement, and manufacturing progress than perhaps any other company"Yet in 1903 things were quite different. Its
founder had produced only two cars in three years of trying. David Buick
though an inventor of merit, generally was considered a dreamer. The company
was in debt, its engineer had just left, and the firm's financial backer
wanted to bail out.David Buick, born in Scotland Sept. 17, 1854,
and brought to the United States at age 2, had been a successful plumbing
inventor and manufacturer in Detroit when he turned his attention to gasoline
engines in the late 1890s. He started a succession of companies: Buick-Auto-Vim
and Power Co. (1899), Buick Manufacturing Co. (1902) and Buick Motor Co.
(Incorporated May 19, 1903), all in Detroit.These companies produced engines for power
boats and stationary applications. And by 1901 a horseless carriage, referred
to in letters as "The Buick Automobile," was in existence. Buick
and his engineers argued often. Marr later said he worked for David Buick
three times, and each time the company had a different name. But between
Buick, Marr and another engineer, Eugene Richard, the sensational valve-in-head
engine was developed. It was powerful, reliable, and developed more horsepower
with its displacement than other engines of like size then on the market.
Eventually the entire industry would make use of the principle. But in
1903, David Buick had neither the manpower nor money to fully develop it.That year, Buick's financial backer, Benjamin
Briscoe, Jr., sold his interest in Buick to a group of wagon makers in
Flint, Mich., 60 miles north of Detroit. Eighteen years later, Briscoe
observed that Buick's success story was "so fraught with romance that it
made the Arabian Nights tales look commonplace."On September 11, 1903, James H. Whiting, manager
of the Flint Wagon Works, announced that wagon works directors had brought
the Buick company and planned to move it -- bag, baggage and David Buick
-- from Detroit to Flint. A one-story brick factory on W. Kearsley Street
in Flint was in operation, building engines, by December. On January 22,
1904, Buick Motor Co. Of Detroit was dissolved and on January 30, 1904,
Buick Motor Co. Of Flint was incorporated.Flint, an old lumbering center, was already
known as "The Vehicle City" -- but not for automobiles. It had become a
center of horse-drawn carriage production for several decades.In the summer of 1904, the company built the
first Flint Buick. Walter Marr, back again as chief engineer, and Thomas
Buick, David Buick's son, took it on a test run to Detroit and back July
9-12. The test was so successful that Whiting's group ordered production
to start. Buick began production with the Model B that summer and built
37 cars by the end of 1904. When the company ran into financial problems
that fall, Whiting turned to one of Flint's other carriage builders for
help.The man was William C. "Billy" Durant, Flint's
carriage "king." Grandson of a Michigan governor, Durant had gotten into
the vehicle business almost on whim. One evening in 1886, he saw an attractive
horse-drawn road cart on the streets of Flint. The next night, he took
the train to Coldwater, Mich., where the cart was manufactured, and bought
the rights to build it. That year he started the Flint Road Cart Co. By
1900, the firm, renamed the Durant-Dort Carriage Co., was the largest producer
of horse-drawn vehicles in the country.Durant didn't particularly like automobiles
-- he was no different from most carriage men in that opinion. But he was
a strong supporter of Flint, and he knew a "self-seller" when he saw one.
The Buick, he observed, drew plenty of attention because it could climb
hills and run through mud like no other car he had ever seen. If automobiles
could be this good, he thought, then maybe it was time to switch from the
horse-and-buggy business to automobiles.Once Durant made the decision, Buick's success
was assured. No one could raise money, sell products and plan big organizations
like Billy Durant. He went to the 1905 New York Auto Show and took orders
for 1,000 Buicks before the company had built 40.He moved Buick assembly briefly from Flint
to Jackson, Mich., in 1905 (building more than 700 Model Cs there that
year) while he gathered money from Flint banks and businessmen to build
the largest assembly facility in the country on Flint's north side. He
persuaded Charles Stewart Mott (later a GM director for 60 years) to move
his axle business from Utica, N.Y., to Flint to build axles for Buick.
He promoted Buicks across the country, using Durant-Dort carriage outlets
and salespeople as the nucleus of a giant distribution system.He created a racing team -- with stars such
as Louis Chevrolet and Wild Bob Burmann -- that won 500 trophies from 1908
to 1910.The success of Buick engines was evident on
the race tracks (including 1909 successes at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
in its inaugural year -- two years before the Indy 500 started), and in
endurance tests across the country and around the world. Buick was the
only car to complete a 1,000-mile Chicago to new York relay race in 1906;
a Buick was the first car to travel across South America, driven from Buenos
Aires, Argentina, over the Andes to Santiago, Chili, in 1914. Buicks won
hill-climbs across the country -- including one in 1904 with one of the
first 40 Buicks ever built.In 1908, with production totaling a little
more than 8000, Buick led the country in production. Durant had made the
transition from the biggest seller of buggies to biggest seller of automobiles.
And, on Buick's success, Durant created a holding company that year. He
called it General Motors.Durant first engaged in merger talks with
other producers in the low-price field, including Henry Ford and Ransom
Olds, who then headed REO.Then, when those talks failed, Durant created
GM as a holding company Sept. 16, 1908, and quickly pulled first Buick,
then Oldsmobile, into the organization. Then he added Cadillac and Oakland
(forerunner of Pontiac) and dozens of parts supplier businesses -- including
AC Spark Plug, which he helped create with Albert Champion (whose initials
formed the division's name).

Durant became financially
overextended as he pulled more than 30 companies under the GM umbrella
in 1908-10. He lost control of GM to a financial group in 1910. He and
Louis Chevrolet developed the Chevrolet company the following year, and
Durant used Chevrolet to regain control of GM in 1915-16. Ironically he
succeeded, as GM president, Charles W. Nash -- whom Durant had hired into
his carriage business and later helped make president of Buick.Nash had brought Walter Chrysler to Buick
as works manager. Durant retained Chrysler and made him Buick president,
though Chrysler later resigned in a dispute with Durant. In 1920, Durant
resigned as GM president in a short depression during which he was again
overextended in the stock market. According to Alfred P. Sloan, Jr., who
in 1923 became GM president, Buick's strong reputation and financial position
was a major factor in pulling the corporation through the period.Buick's star climbed steadily during the roaring
twenties, with production reaching more than 260,000 units in 1926. The
car's reliability was world famous. In 1923, the famous writer-traveler
Lowell Thomas used a Buick in the first automotive expedition into Afghanistan.
Two years later, Buicks won trophies in a series of Leningrad-to-Moscow
endurance and reliability runs -- beating more than 40 cars from throughout
the world.Also in 1925, a Buick was taken around the
world without a driver -- to show the reliability of Buick's and GM Export's
service operations worldwide. The car, driven by dealer representatives
in various countries, went to England, the Netherlands, Belgium, France,
Egypt, by trans-desert convoy to Damascus, Baghdad and Basra, through India
and Ceylon, across Australia, and then from San Francisco to New York.A Buick magazine of the '20s routinely reported
such events as a hill-climb victory in Africa, winning a tug-of-war with
an elephant, a trek through New Zealand, and the Sultan of Johore with
his Buick in the Far East. In addition to U.S. production, Buicks were
built in Canada (a result of an early agreement with the McLaughlin Carriage
Co. Family). And, in those decades before World War II, Buick components
were shipped to such countries as Spain, Belgium, England, Australia --
even Java -- where assembly was completed. In 1929, Buick opened a sales
office in Shanghai, China.Being a maker of premium automobiles, Buick
was harder hit by the great depression than most of its competitors. In
1933, production plummeted to a little more than 40,000 units. By late
that year, Harlow H. Curtice, the 39-year-old president of AC Spark Plug,
was tapped by GM to bring Buick back to its former greatness.A super salesman in the Durant mold, Curtice
brought power and speed back to Buick. In 1934, the small Series 40 was
launched. It gave exceptional performance for its price of $865. Production
that year topped 78,000.Next he issued a simple challenge to Harley
Earl, GM's design chief, who always drove Cadillacs. Curtice's challenge:
"Design me a Buick you would like to own." The result was the 1936 line
which added Roadmaster and other successful names to the Buick stable:
Special, Super, Century, Limited. That year production was close to 200,000.
Buick, said a GM executive, was "off relief."Buick continued to break ground in styling
and engineering until it turned to World War II military production Feb.
2, 1942. During World War I, Buick had built Liberty aircraft engines and
Red Cross ambulances (the division today displays a letter of thanks from
Great Britain's then minister of munitions, Winston Churchill, to Durant
for war production). In World War II Buick helped make Flint an "arsenal
of Democracy" by building aircraft engines, Hellcat tank destroyers and
other military hardware. Buick was awarded more than 30 separate military
contracts and Buick-built material could be found at virtually every fighting
front.After the war, Buick expanded its facilities
under Curtice, who in late 1948 became a GM executive vice-president, a
job that led to the GM presidency a few years later. But despite the fact
his responsibilities now included all the car and truck divisions, he never
really left Buick or Flint. He maintained his home in that city and never
owned any other make of car but a Buick.

Before you view the pictures of the early Buicks
I wanted to show you one Canadian's tribute to our War Veterans. I'll let Bob
explain it in his own words

In the early 30's it was hard to get Hearses in Canada
so 10 4dr's were brought to Canada from Detroit where they were stretched,
a rear door put in and sent around Canada. The one I have was used
in Eston SK until the mid 60's when Bill Brigs the funeral director in
Eston passed away. After that it was bought, sold, traded around
Central Sask until I saw it and it ask me to take it home. It's taken
me 4 years, working full time to modify and rebuild it. I put modern
undercarriage and power train in it as I couldn't locate original parts
for it. I decided on the airbrushing as it went along, the rear door
is a tribute to our veterans as many of my family served. The grim
reaper is on the headlights, a cross on the rad louvers, a RCMP memorial
on the left rear. I needed something on the sides so decided on angels
who are my Grandaughters-with their approval of course--. I decided
on gray as it wouldn't show the dust or dirt like black does. I finished
on the 26 of April 2007, this summer I've attended 14 car shows and parades.
As you could expect it drew a lot of attention, I've driven it to AB and
BC for show's, received awards at all the shows. It has been an interesting
summer and an awarding one. If you would like more info or pics please
let me know, thanks for your site. I like it when people keep our
history going. Have a Nice Day ---BoB---I am 67 yr'sBoB KurpBox 83Riverhurst, SK

Ignition Jump spark Current Supply The current is supplied by a Remy magneto and a reserve
set of dry cells is used for starting. Carburetor Schebler Lubrication Self-contained system, oil circulated by pump. Motor Control Spark and throttle lever on top of steering wheel. Clutch Cone Transmission Planetary. Tow speeds forward, one reverse. Control Foot pedals for transmission brake, slow speed ahead and
reverse; side levers for engagement of clutch and emergency brake. Drive Shaft

Glaser was a German company that made top
of the linecustom bodies. The car is owned by Michael
and has been for around 30 years and hopes to restore it this
year.

This picture was submitted
by Rick Johnson.He found it while sorting through some old family pictures.

1931 Buick 56S Coupe

This car is owned by Cathy and Charlie Boland They had the following to say about the car. "We've owned her for about 2 years now and before that she lived
in the basement of a home in Virginia for 17 years, kept off the ground
with small wooden beams under her frame, and was started and run
through her gears on a weekly basis by her elderly owner.

1931 Buick 56S Coupe

We had her looked at by our local club mechanic and with the exception
of the gas tank and tires, everything major was in perfect condition. He
had a tank built and we added the white walls. We love touring around in
her."

1933 Buick 4 Door Sedan

1933 Buick Model 57 4 Door Sedan

1933 Buick 4 Door Sedan
Series 57

1933 Buick Mode l88c 4 Door Convertible

This car is owned and driven by Peggy
MacFarland,Seminole, Florida

Click on this image for a larger view in a new window

1933 Buick 4 Door Sedan Series 57

This picture was submitted by Paul Black, Tampa,
Florida

1934 Buick Roadster

1934 Buick Series 50 Convertible

Click on this image for a larger view in a new window

Click on this image for a larger view in a new window

1935 Buick 66-C Convertible

1935 Buick Series 40 Sedan

This car is owned by Bill Siebel, Jacksonville Bch, FL. These pictures were taken at the Ormand Beach show that is
every Sat. after Thanksgiving. This year was the 53rd. year. There were
111 of these cars made, and this one is #80. There are only 5 remaining that have not been hotroded.

This car is owned by Paul Dobbin

Click on this image for a larger view in a new window

Click on this image for a larger view in a new window

1935 Buick 66-C Convertible

1935 Buick 66-C Convertible

1936 Buick Century OHV 8 320 cid 120 bhp

1936 Buick Ad

1936 Buick Ad

1936 Buick Ad

1936 Buick Century Convertible

1936 Buick Century Convertible

1936 Buick 46c Convertible

1936 Buick 46c Convertible

This car is owned by Marilyn & John
Rushworth, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, England.The car was imported into England in 1988
and was reputedly sold at auction in New York in that year although there
is no documented proof

1936 Buick 46c Convertible

1936 Buick 46c Convertible

1937 Buick Century 4 Door Sedan

1937 Buick Century 4 Door Sedan

Click on this image for a larger view in a new window

1937 Buick Special Custom Woody Station
Wagon Prototype

1937 Buick Opera Coupe

This picture was submitted by George Demas,Lamar,Co.The car was owned by a friend ofhis who is shown in the picture.
he was the person that had the car reworked and ready for the road.
He has since left Lamar, Colorado for health reasons and sold the car on
Ebay prior to leaving here

1938 Buick

1938 Buick 46R Convertible

1938 Buick 60 Sport Sedan Engine

Click on this image for a larger view in a new window

Click on this image for a larger view in a new window

1938 Buick Century 4 Door Sedan

1938 Buick Century 4 Door Sedan

This car is owned by Dawayne Niemela

This car is owned by Dawayne Niemela

1938 Buick Opera Coupe

1938 Buick Sedan

1938 Buick Slant Sedan

1938 Buick Slant Sedan

1938 Buick Special 4 Door Sedan

1938 Buick Special 4 Door Sedan

1938 Buick Special 4 Door Sedan

1938 Buick Special 4 Door Sedan

1938 Buick Special Coupe

1938 Buick Special 4 Door Sedan

1938 Buick Special 4 Door Sedan

1938 Buick Century Convertible

1938 Buick Century Series 60

1938 Buick Special 4 Door Sedan

1938 Buick Y Job Concept Car

1938 Buick Y Job Concept Car

1938 Buick Y Job Concept Car Pictured
with Harley Earl

1938 Buick Special 4 Door Sedan

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

1939 Buick Roadster (New Zealand Model)

1939 Buick Roadster (New Zealand Model)

This car is owned by Tom Brough of New
Zealand and itwas the only one ever brought into New Zealand
1938 and sold as a 1939 Model

This picture was submitted by Eric Gordon of New
London County CT. The car was owned by a a furniture manufacturer" from
The Kingdom of Denmark. The car still has the original Kingdom
of Denmark plates.

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

1939 Buick Special

1939 Buick Mode 90 Limited Touring
Sedan

This car is owned by Gene Casey, Pace, FLHe did a complete frame off and did all the work himself.The car has won the AACA "Senior" award.

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

1939 Buick Special

1939 Buick Special

This car is owned by Gene Casey, Pace, FL

This car is owned by Gene Casey,
Pace, FL

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

1939 Buick Limted 4 Door Convertible

1939 Buick Limted 4 Door Convertible

It is believed that this car is a Glaser.Glaser
was a German company that made top of the line custom bodies. The
car is owned by Michael from Denmark

1940 Buick Special 4 Door Convertible

1940 Buick Special 4 Door Convertible

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

1940 Buick Special 4 Door Convertible

1940 Buick Special 4 Door Convertible

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

1940 Buick Special 4 Door Convertible

This car was seen in Mount Uniacke, NS, Canada on June 3, 2014

1940 Buick Eight Convertible

1941 Buick Series 40b Special Se 4 Door
Sedan

1941 Buick Eight Convertible

1941 Buick Eight Convertible

This picture was submitted by Eric Gordon, Daytona Beach,
FL.It was taken at the Daytona Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL.Nov. 27, 2008

1941 Buick 51 Sedan

1941 Buick 41 Phaeton

1941 Buick 41 Phaeton

1941 Buick Century Torpedo Back Coupe

1941 Buick Special Sports Coupe

1942 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

Click on this picture for a larger view in
a new window

1946 Buick Special

1946 Buick Special

This car is owned by Graeme Kempton from New Zealand

1947 Buick

1947 Buick Convertible

1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

1948 Buick OHV 8 248 cid 115 bhp

1948 Buick Super Estate Wagon

1948 Buick Super Estate Wagon

1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

This picture was submitted by Eric Gordon, Daytona Beach,
FL.It was taken at the Daytona Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL.Nov. 27, 2008

1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible

1948 Buick Super Estate Wagon

1948 Buick Super Estate Wagon

1949 Buick Riviera Hardtop

1949 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon

1949 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon

1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera

1949 Buick Roadmaster Sedanet

1949 Buick Roadmaster Sedanet

1949 Buick Roadmaster Sedanet

1949 Buick Roadmaster Sedanet

1949 Buick Super Estate Wagon

1949 Buick Estate WagonClick on this image for a larger view in a
new window

1949 Buick Estate WagonClick on this image for a larger view in a
new window

1949 Buick Estate WagonClick on this image for a larger view in a
new window

1949 Buick Estate WagonClick on this image for a larger view in a
new window

1949 Buick Roadmaster Sedanet (2-dr Fastback) with 63,000 original miles

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